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. 2021 May;159(5):1961-1967.
doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.11.002. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

Assessing Patients for Air Travel

Amy L Bellinghausen  1 , Jess Mandel  2
Affiliations

Assessing Patients for Air Travel

Amy L Bellinghausen et al. Chest. 2021 May.

Abstract

Advising patients before air travel is a frequently overlooked, but important, role of the physician, particularly primary care providers and pulmonary specialists. Although physiologic changes occur in all individuals during air travel, those with underlying pulmonary disease are at increased risk of serious complications and require a specific approach to risk stratification. We discuss the available tools for assessment of preflight risk and strategies to minimize potential harm. We also present a case discussion to illustrate our approach to assessing patients for air travel and discuss the specific conditions that should prompt a more thorough preflight workup.

Keywords: air travel; flight; supplemental oxygen.

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